The International Tennis Federation has launched an investigation against Ilie Nastase.

World No. 7 Johanna Konta was reduced to tears after a foul-mouthed tirade from Nastase during the Fed Cup clash between Great Britain and Romania.

The Romania Fed Cup captain, a former world No. 1 who is is currently in hot water over alleged "racist and sexist comments" , was thrown off court during the singles match between Johanna Konta and Sorana Cirstea for reportedly using abusive language.

A statement from the ITF read: "Romanian captain Ilie Nastase was removed from the court during the second rubber of the Fed Cup tie between Romania and Great Britain in Constanta.

"Mr Nastase was asked to leave the court by ITF referee Andreas Egli for unsportsmanlike conduct, having already received two official warnings. Mr Nastase was also removed from the grounds due to his serious misconduct.

"His accreditation was removed and he will play no further part in the tie. The ITF has launched an investigation into this matter as well as previous comments made by Mr Nastase during the week.

The Romanian had entered the court at a change of ends and was allegedly heard shouting at the umpire: "What's your f*****g problem?"

He then appeared to call Great Britain captain Anne Keothavong and Konta "f*****g b*****s," from the stands before being escorted back to the locker room.

Johanna Konta was reduced to tears on court after the nasty incident (Image: BBC)

Johanna Konta breaks down in tears before play is suspended against Cristea

Britain's Johanna Konta cries on court (Image: REUTERS)

Johanna Konta speaks to the umpire (Image: BBC)

The ardent home crowd in Constanta became involved and Romanian Simona Halep, who had beaten Heather Watson in the opening rubber, explained to the crowd what had happened and appealed for calm before play briefly resumed.

But Konta was visibly upset and, after playing the next game in tears and dropping serve, the players left the court at 6-2, 1-3 to the Brit.

Play resumed after a 20 minute delay, with Nastase banished from the whole arena, and Konta valiantly stormed to five games in a row to close out the straight-sets victory.

Johanna Konta and Anne Keothavong speak to the umpire (Image: BBC)

Anne Keothavong gestures towards Ilie Nastase (Image: REUTERS)

Ilie Nastase leaves the tennis court (Image: REUTERS)

Nastase is escorted by stewards (Image: REUTERS)

Earlier on Saturday, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has launched an investigation into Nastase's allegedly derogatory comment about Serena Williams' unborn child.

At the Fed Cup draw in Constanta on Friday, 70 year old Nastase was heard speaking in Romanian to one of his team members about Williams' baby. "Let's see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?" he was quoted as saying.

Williams, who confirmed her pregnancy through a spokeswoman on Wednesday, is engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is white.

The Great Britain team posed for this photo before the official Fed Cup dinner (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Nastase was unhappy after his comments were reported about Williams' baby, which is due in the autumn. On Saturday morning before play started, he stormed into the press centre at the Tenis Club IDU to seek out the British media.

Press Association Sport tennis correspondent Eleanor Crooks was the only member of the British media present in the press room at the time. He said to Ms Crooks: "Why did you write that? You're stupid, you're stupid."

Williams shows off her bump (Image: @JarettSays/Twitter)

Nastase is currently under investigation from the ITF for his alleged comments about Serena Williams' baby (Image: Getty Images)

The ITF said in an emailed statement: "The ITF does not tolerate discriminatory and offensive language and behaviour of any kind.

"We are aware of alleged comments made by Romanian Captain Ilie Nastase and have begun an immediate investigation so that we have the full facts of the situation before taking further and appropriate action."

In a bizarre addition Lloyd Glasspool, Watson's boyfriend and current world No. 376, tweeted "That was some quality entertainment in Fed Cup, hate him or love him Nastase will bring viewing figures up!"